Chance of ADN to get a Hospital Job?

soxgirl2008 · May 25, 2011

"Bottom Line"
It is always better to have the four year degree. It gives you more mobility in the medical world, and you are more likely to be hired for management positions with a BSN than a ADN. Also, most grad schools require a BSN to get into schools for Nurse Practitioning and CRNA schools.

The OP is already in an ADN program...They were asking about their chances of getting hired in a hospital, not which degree was better so this post doesn't really help them out. There are ADN-MSN programs out there, but not everyone wants to be a NP or a CRNA.

OP:

The hospitals around here hire ADN and BSN and don't really seem to have a preference. Even the magnet hospitals who say "BSN preferred" will hire ADNs who had CNA/tech experience in a hospital. On my unit ADNs are the majority. However, I'm in the midwest so NY could be a completely different story.

I know many hospitals too that will hire ADNs who are currently enrolled in a RN-BSN program.

There is nothing wrong with being an ADN nurse. I believe everyone should eventually go for their BSN, but starting out as an ADN doesn't make you any less of a nurse. I work with both ADN and BSN nurses and you can't tell who has what education unless you ask them. They are all great nurses and provide excellent care.

Echo_of_Faith · May 25, 2011

I guess it's demographics, or that the teacher doesn't have enough faith in the students he/she is teaching to believe that their skills are up to par for working in a hospital...on the other hand, Nursing homes are hard work; you are usually responsible for all residents on entire hall or section, and it's up to you to get them the care they need, which may be an ambulance to the hospital...which for new nurses can be a tough call...what I'm really concerned with is that the teacher is discussing with students where to work after school is done; isn't that what clinicals are for? to dip you into different areas in order for YOU to see what YOU want to do, not what bias or limitations anyone, especially your instructor seeds into your mind. I'm and LPN, currently starting a bridge program to get an ADN. I've been licensed less than six months and had a job at the hospital a week after I knew I passed my NCLEX, so DON'T sell yourself short, you want it, show 'em you've got it and go get it!!!

holisticallyminded · May 25, 2011

I have said this to all new grads behind me because in urban areas, this seems to be the best way to go:

Get a job as a tech or CNA (if able) in a SMALL community hospital if you want to work in a hospital after you graduate. Tell them you PLAN to work on your BSN after graduation (doesn't mean you need to do it right away at all), then work very hard. This is the formula that has seemed to get all of my ADN classmates positions of choice in hospitals. Those who went to the larger hospitals (and that includes me, since I had already worked in the hospital for 4 years when I signed on as a tech) did NOT get jobs due to major new grad/residency hiring freezes. The community hospitals made spots for the student nurses. EVERY TIME.

I'm now in LTC trying to find a way back in.

And yes, I have a BS in nutrition and worked in the field for 10 years. They don't care. It's too competitive. And actually, I think they can typically guess my age on that one and decide to throw me back for a brand new, childless, will work every night shift new BSN nurse.

BVFD 333 · May 25, 2011

Easy, work were you can get a job while finishing a year of RN to BSN...I worked as an ADN nurse for my first few years. Get resume builders, take extra classes if you can, get your specialty cert (board certification)...Nurses are needed, just never stop learning!

Have fun!

muffylpn · May 25, 2011

Could u post the study or where it could be found about the hospital that do poorly because they have RNS and LPNS

Where is the study, would love to read it. I agree that most hospital no longer higher LPNs, but could you post this study. I'm aware as most are of the study done in CA. where the no. of RNs had to be increased by law in hospitals to a 1:4 or 1:5 ratio-removing all LPNs also shutting down several community hospitals ( as this ratio was for ALL shifts, that right you could have 4 or 5 RNs making 50.00/hr on on 11-7 shift with 20 Pts). The end result no real change to improve care. While the RNs are babysitting me the make 1.00 more an hr 40 more a week and 120 more a month. They check my labs, that is it. If there is no blood hanging that happens like 4 times a yr or any drug that needs to be pushed-again 4 times a yr-appox. Might I also point out u will be higher over an LPN in a nursing home if u both don't have exp-otherwise the LPN with exp. will almost always get. Your pay will be nowhere near a hospital pay at least in New England. At the NH where I work RNs starting pay is 1.00 more an hr.

phatso · May 25, 2011

I don't see why nursing homes would hire many ADNs either when they could hire LPNs for a fraction of the price. They may need an RN or two on a technicality, but that's it.

ymaudy · May 25, 2011

I don't know what area you are in, but where I am jobs for all new grads are in demand. That said, I am a recent grad of a two year program and I have a hospital job waiting for me to pass the NCLEX. I got my CNA during my third semester and starting working as a PCT in the hospital I did my med/surg clinicals. My last semester was really hectic, but having the PCT experience and already being in the hospital gave me first dibs on the new grad jobs. I see no benefit to getting a BSN prior to working. BSN's are for nurses who want to get management positions, and there's no way you would get a new grad management position. I say get your two year degree. Work as a CNA. Work as an RN. Get the hospital to pay for your BSN or MSN etc. This is the most cost effective way and frankly, I think it's the smartest. Every manager will tell you that they value a willingness to learn, good customer service skills, and hard work over extra education. I'm not saying that more education is not important, but as far as getting that new grad position, in my area, the BSN doesn't make a difference. The experience in the hospital makes the difference. As a side note...I was able to work PRN as a tech (2-3 shifts a week), go to school full time, and have a two year old at the same time. It can be done!

ymaudy · May 25, 2011

where are you? I'm in the DC metro area and we are at all the surrounding hospitals. I have also heard managers say that they prefer grads from our two year program because it's more grounded in clinical experience versus the classroom. I can't believe that your hospitals would be SO discriminatory!

ertweety59 · May 25, 2011

I have an ADN and am currently working as charge nurse in a Military ER, prior to that I was working in a civilian 25 bed ER as weekend night charge. So, you can get jobs in a hospital. My ER director right now has an ADN. It all depends on what you want and how much you are willing to put out in extra training and such. All of my class mates were hired in Hospitals, not nursing homes. You can do it:yeah:

Petals01 · May 25, 2011

I live in Houston Texas where there is a huge Medical Center and hospitals everywhere and I for one can tell you that currently it is very competitive. Most hospitals prefer to hire those with a BSN or ADN or with a bachelor's degree in another field. I graduated in August of 2010 and received my RN License in November 2010. I looked for a hospital internship while I was still in school, and while studying for NCLEX. I had my resume all over Houston with no luck. Some of my fellow classmates were having the same difficulty in getting hired on in a hospital. After searching with no luck I accepted a position at a nursing home that hired me basically on the spot the same day I applied. I worked there for four months, but after four months I decided to leave and continue to look for employment elsewhere because the nurse to patient ratio extremely high. Finally I lucked up at a job fair the same week I attended(one of many), and landed an interview with a hospital and was hired:yeah:. I was told that even though they only accepted 6months to a year experience, the fact that I worked in a nursing home with 50 to 60 patients/residents to care for she would consider me. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Search early while in school.

2. Get a hospital job, even as a nurses aid to get you feet planted there because most hospitals hire internally first. Even if its part time on weekends.

3. If you don't get hired on right away at hospital work somewhere to gain experience and keep your skill fresh.

4.Stay positive and attend job fairs. Most recruiters are there and will set up and interview on spot.

5. Network. Word of mouth is key. Sometimes its really who you know.

So in some aspects your instructor is correct, but it depends on the individual situation. :)

Wish you all the blessings and the best:nurse::)

lzink · May 26, 2011

Dear ADN,

Statistically there are approximately 2.5 milion RN's needed in the country. Here is what may be difficult. Your first job. You can't go wrong with med/surg for one year, after getting your feet on the ground you can go any where. During that time you can also get your ACLS and PALS certifications Now your in a better position to get into the ICU or ED departments if you so desire. It's just my personal opinion that new grads who have no experience say ask a teck in ICU's or ED should begin there career there unless your lucky and get into a good precepter program. But don't ever let fear keep you from nursing when and where you want. The fear factor has been used to keep nurses in thier place, and I've been doing this since 1971. Remember, you will write the same state boards as the BSN students. I was an LPN for 20 years, recieved my ADN 1990 and went on to become a flight nurse...One final thought. The ADN V.BSN "discussion" has been going on since time and memorial, so don't sweat it. After all it's not the degree that makes a nurse great, a great nurse is called to the profession from the heart and delivers care from the heart with compassion. The world is your oyster and don't let anyone ever tell you any different! lzink

LadyTiger44 · May 26, 2011

Must depend on the area like others are saying. I worked in a magnet hospital in IN and have my ADN. They hire both. And I am doing travel nursing now and not having a problem finding new contracts. I agree with the other posters that working in a hospital does help after you become a RN if you are able to get a job like that. I never was, and didn't have a problem getting hired with my ADN.